One day they have a blunt bob and the next their rockin’ super long locks à la all your favorite Disney Princesses. To state the obvious, the sporadic growth in celebrity hair is the product of well-placed hair extensions, not some miraculous overnight formula. Ah, if only…

As wonderfully simple as it may sound, you don’t just go to the salon and declare that you want a full head of hair. You need to know what type of extensions you’ll be adding into your locks. There are keratin-applied extensions, weaves, taped, and glue-taped. Bianca highly recommends a keratin process, which bonds a keratin tip to your actual strands using heated and cold machines. Think that sounds scary? Bianca says the heat machine uses less heat than a curling iron. She also adds that if these are applied correctly, you won’t do any damage to your existing locks.

2. Block Off At Least Three Hours for the Application Process“To put them in takes time, especially if you’re having a full head done, get ready to spend the day at the salon,” says Bianca.Basically, you need to know that it’s no quick fix. What’s more is that you’ll need at least an hour at the salon when you get them removed, too.

3. Getting a Keratin or Smoothing Treatment? Do It Before You Get Your Extensions
What’s really cool about getting natural hair extensions (probably your best bet) is that you can style your hair with just about any product. You can even color, straighten, and curl the extension, too. However, there is an important exception. Bianca says that if you’re going to get a hair smoothing treatment, make sure you get it done three to four weeks prior to your extensions. Apparently, your hair will be so soft that the extensions could slip off.

4. Get Your Hair Cut After Your Extensions Are Placed
Bianca says that this is an important step in making sure your locks look as natural and pretty as possible!

7. The Way You Blow Dry Your Hair Is About the ChangeBianca says that when you have extensions in, you have to be extra cautious when brushing. Add in all your styling products to wet hair and blow dry without brushing through. After your hair is dry, Bianca explains that you can then start the process of brushing your long locks.